Little Cottonwood Canyon Scenic Byway

7 miles | 15 minutes to Alta | Map

Few places so near an urban area are so rich in diversity. Local residents of the Wasatch Front have all of this right here in our “backyard.” The granite cliffs are a paradise for both rock climbers and the mountain goats you might see as you drive the byway. Little Cottonwood Canyon is so named because its length and width are “littler” than its big neighbor to the north; however, it is an equally glorious natural playground. At the mouth of the canyon is the site where Mormon pioneers quarried massive granite blocks used to construct the Salt Lake Temple and the LDS Conference Center. The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is the westernmost wall of the Rockies.

Don't Miss

Rock Climbing

Little Cottonwood Canyon is renowned worldwide for its crack climbing on 400' granite walls.

Hiking/Fishing

Albion Basin is famous for its spring and early summer wildflowers.

Snowbird Resort and Alta Resort

Want to mountain bike in style? The aerial tram at Snowbird zips visitors and their bikes to the roof of the Wasatch Front, Hidden Peak. Travel further up the Little Cottonwood Scenic byway and you will arrive at Utah’s first ski resort, Alta. Alta in the 1860s was filled with saloons and miners and now it is filled with adventure seekers with skis. Alta is one of only two resorts in Utah that is strictly ski-only. These major ski and summer resorts offer full service, year-round lodging and activities.

The Drive

Little Cottonwood Scenic Byway (S.R. 210) begins at the mouth of the canyon and can be accessed by taking I-215 to 6200 South/Canyons exit. Follow the signs to S.R. 210 is just minutes from downtown Salt Lake City.

The nearby Salt Lake Valley offers plenty of lodging, restaurants and nightlife to combine with your backyard mountain escape.

Additional Resources

• Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
(801) 999-2103 | 857 West South Jordan, South Jordan, UT
• Public Lands Information Center (inside REI)
(801) 466-6411 | 3285 East 3300 South, Salt Lake City, UT
• Camping reservations for the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest can be made by visiting recreation.gov

Note: Watershed prohibits domestic animals in this area.

Well-prepared travel is responsible travel.

Do your part by planning ahead
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